What is a unitary authority and why is Exeter pursuing it?

Exeter’s recent move to pursue unitary authority status marks a significant step in the city’s ambition for greater local control and influence over its governance and services. This decision, backed unanimously by the City Council, sets Exeter on a path to reshape how its public services are coordinated and how its regional economic growth is driven.

A unitary authority is a local government structure that consolidates all the responsibilities of both county and district councils into a single body. This means that a unitary authority is responsible for overseeing everything from education and transport to social services and housing, offering a streamlined approach to governance.

Unlike the current system, where responsibilities are split between county councils and district or borough councils, a unitary authority manages all services for its area, providing more direct control and accountability for local residents.

Exeter, under the current governance model, falls within the Devon County Council framework, which means that while the city has its own district council (Exeter City Council), certain key responsibilities, such as education and transport, are managed at the county level.

The proposal to make Exeter a unitary authority aims to centralise these functions, allowing the city to take full charge of its services, rather than relying on the wider county council.

The plan to seek unitary status is part of broader devolution plans put forward by the Government, which recently published a White Paper outlining a vision for local government reorganisation.

This shift comes as local authorities, like Exeter, push for greater autonomy and a more unified approach to governance that can better meet the needs of their residents and foster economic growth.

In the Extraordinary Council Meeting, members discussed the merits of Exeter becoming a unitary authority. A letter of intent will be sent to the government, affirming the city’s commitment to pursuing unitary status and opposing proposals for a single unitary council for all of Devon. The city also intends to submit interim plans for a unitary Exeter, with a view to creating a Mayoral Strategic Authority that could encompass both Devon and Cornwall, with Exeter serving as a key member.

The Council has argued that Exeter, as a unitary authority, would be better positioned to manage public service delivery more effectively, foster regeneration, and drive economic growth. The unitary model would also strengthen community leadership and give the city a stronger sense of identity and purpose.

Council Leader Phil Bialyk expressed strong support for the move, noting, "It was a very good discussion and debate, and I am glad that we have been able to establish cross-party support with a unanimous vote to build our case for Exeter to become a unitary authority and play a full part in a Mayoral Strategic Authority for Devon and Cornwall."

Bialyk continued, "There are lots of discussions that will now take place with our neighbouring authorities and strategic partners as we work on the details of the proposal. But I have absolutely no doubt that as the driving force of economic growth and sustainable development in Devon, a unitary Exeter is the best way of delivering for communities both in Exeter and throughout the wider region."

The decision to move forward with unitary status will now set the stage for further collaboration with neighbouring authorities, particularly in shaping the broader Mayoral Strategic Authority. This proposal could be instrumental in aligning Exeter’s interests with those of other local councils across Devon and Cornwall, ensuring that the region as a whole benefits from this new model of governance.

Exeter’s Chief Executive, Bindu Arjoon, commented, "Now that Council has approved the recommendations set out in the report, we will now send a letter of intent to government outlining our position on unitary status for Exeter. The Council will work collaboratively, as much as is possible, with other local councils on the development of proposals going forward in the interest of Exeter and Devon as a whole."

The journey toward Exeter becoming a unitary authority is far from over, and much work remains to be done. However, with unanimous backing from the City Council, the city is now one step closer to securing the powers and responsibilities that could drive its future prosperity and strengthen its role within the wider region.